Muslims were scared of the might of the unbelievers; they flee from fear to more fear. Allah’s Law is “Do not fear the might of the Atheists if you believe in Allah, the Almighty”. Adopting this law, Muslims won and the unbelievers defeated
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The background of the verse 24:57
Muslims flee from fear to more fear
At the beginning of Islam, Muslims were scared of the might of the unbelievers.
The unbelievers were very violent striking the Muslims with all kinds oftorment
Then, the Muslims left their houses, possessions, money etc. and migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah in an attempt to flee from the mighty unbelievers.
I will let Abu al-Aliyah (one of Muhammad’s fellows) to describe the Muslims’ situation, he said:
“The Prophet Muhammad and his Companions remained in Makkah for around ten years calling on people to believe in Allah and to worship Him alone, associating no partners with Him.
However, they did so in secret, as they were in a state of fear of the unbelievers who were very violent with the little Muslims community. Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad has prevented us from fighting. When the Muslims later migrated to Al- Madinah, Allah bid them to fight back for their cause. This meant that they were again in a state of more fear, wearing their body armor day and night. They persevered for as long as Allah willed.
One of his Companions asked the Prophet: Are we to remain in such fear for the rest of time? Will there comes a time when we can put our armaments aside?’
The Prophet said: ‘It will not be long before any one of you can sit among a huge crowd without anyone carrying arms.’
Soon afterwards, Allah revealed this verse. The Prophet was able to establish his authority over the whole of Arabia and his followers were in a state of security. They put down their arms”.
The verse 24:57 says:
Do not Think O Muhammad that the unbelievers can escape from Allah’s punishment both in the life of this world and in the Hereafter
For their abode will be the Eternal Fire; it is surely an evil destination, the worst abode for anyone. A hapless journey’s end
The verse confirms that the unbelievers cannot defy Allah. They will receive their fair punishment in this life and in the Afterlife.
Allah says to the believers: if you remain steadfast, following My path, then you need not worry about the might of the unbelievers. The power they apparently wield will not stand in your way. You are far stronger when equipped with your faith.
In material power, you may not be a match for them, but believers who strive for the truth can work miracles.
Back to 1400 years ago,
The unbelievers were more than 30 times the believers in respect to their:
- Populations
- Equipment
- Army force
- Wealth
- Etc.
However, Allah as He promised defeated them in this life and you will see the fulfilment of his promise in the Afterlife.
Allah’s Law is:
Do not fear the might of the Atheists if you believe that the Almighty exists.
No wonder then that “the Prophet Muhammad was able to establish his authority over the whole of Arabia”
(Quoted from Abu al-Aliyah)
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The verse 24:57 in different translations:
QARIB:
Never think that the unbelievers will be able to frustrate (us) in the earth. their refuge is the fire, an evil arrival.
SHAKIR:
Think not that those who disbelieve shall escape in the earth, and their abode is the fire; and certainly evil is the resort!
PICKTHAL:
Think not that the disbelievers can escape in the land. fire will be their home – a hapless journey’s end!
YUSUFALI:
Never think thou that the unbelievers are going to frustrate (Allah’s plan) on earth: their abode is the fire,- and it is indeed an evil refuge!
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